Wanda R. (Kugle) Hipple

Wanda R. (Kugle) Hipple, 91, of Masonic Village Elizabethtown, passed peacefully on January 8, 2021.  Born to Sylvia Wise, Wanda was raised in Middletown, PA, where she attended Middletown High School.  Following her graduation from MHS, she went to work for Bell Telephone.  She later worked at Olmsted Air Force Base in Middletown, at Kresge’s in Olmsted Plaza and at the Mechanicsburg Naval Depot. 

Wanda was a long-time member of Wesley United Methodist Church, often attending services there and at Riverside Chapel, and she served as the congregation’s Treasurer for several years.  In her later years, Wanda moved to Elizabethtown, PA, and about five years ago became a resident at Masonic Village.

Wanda was preceded in death by her first husband, J. Robert (Dick) Deimler, and her second husband, Dale Hipple.  She is survived by her son, Logan Deimler, and his wife.

A life-long learner, Wanda earned her Associate Degree in Library Science at Harrisburg Area Community College while working as a federal civil servant.  She later continued to take classes at HACC and also at Elizabethtown College, often concerning the Civil War era, early American cultures and feature films.  And she was an avid reader, enjoying both fiction and non-fiction books.

Wanda was an enthusiastic traveler, delighting in journeys both near and far to see new places and experience other cultures.  For a number of years, she served as the co-coordinator of the Londonderry Seniors Travel Club, organizing many adventures to enjoy with her friends.

Wanda enjoyed independent living at Masonic where she socialized with old friends, some of whom she had known much of her life, and with new friends, especially amongst the Brownies where she lived. Recently she had developed a knack for puzzles, and she had spent time working on a puzzle the day before she died in her sleep.

A short graveside service will be held at Geyer’s Church Cemetery on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 11AM.  Due to concerns and restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, those attending are expected to wear masks and observe social distancing.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wanda’s name to The Mercy Fund at Wesley United Methodist Church in Middletown.

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